Communities for Families

About the Program

When crisis strikes, many of us rely on relatives and our church family for support, but some parents don’t have that safety net. Children are especially at risk for neglect or abuse as their parents struggle to cope with crushing circumstances and emotions. The goal of our Communities for Families program is to offer support in a time of need and reunite children with their families in a stronger home environment. We currently partner with DC’s Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) to implement our Communities for Families program to increase the support available to families in the District.

Communities for Families provides support for vulnerable families. We help parents build stability in their lives when they may have nowhere else to turn. Our volunteer Host Homes provide a temporary safe haven for their children, just like an aunt or uncle would.

First and foremost, this is a movement of churches that is driven by volunteers like you. We can’t do this alone. We need your help. Will you join us?

Everyone can do something!

Communities for Families in DC is implemented with support from DC’s Child and Family Services Agency, the Ruddie Memorial Youth Foundation, the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, our partner churches, and generous individual donors. We are grateful to each of our partners for their support!

Key Components

This is not foster care or adoption

Biological Parents maintain full custody

There is a commitment to reunite the family as soon as possible

Volunteers are extensively screened and supported

The average length of stay is 45 days

The average age of a child in care is 4.5 years

Close working relationships are maintained between DC127, the local church, and the referring organization

How to Participate

Communities for Families is only successful when entire communities come together. Please take a look and pray about the best fit for you. Everyone can do something!

Empowering Families

Parent Friends
When families come to us for help, many say isolation is their biggest struggle. Connect with one family like a family friend would. Call them once a week and visit them every other week. Let them know they’re not alone. Help them address the circumstances that led to their crisis. Take the next steps to be a Parent Friend here.

Cultivating Communities

Community CoachesFacilitate the relationship between the Host and biological families, while coordinating communications with various agencies. Help ensure the well being of the children by visiting the Host Family each week to monitor the situation. Keep up on the biological family’s progress by calling them every week. Take the next steps to be a Community Coach here.

Respite CareHost Families, just like other parents, need to run errands, shop, or simply get a break. Help provide babysitting and breaks for parents. If you are interested in providing Respite Care, please contact us.

Uniting the Church

Resource & Service Provision
Most children come to Host Families with very few possessions and Host Families aren’t reimbursed for their expenses. Help them out with children’s items like diapers, car seats, and clothing, or donate professional services like healthcare, hair styling, and house cleaning. To learn more about our current resource and service needs, please visit our Donations page.

Support GroupsProvide prayer, encouragement, and support to the Host and biological families with things like playgroups, coffee talks, and burger nights. To learn more about support groups, contact us.